PET/CT scans in Denver?

Hannah Lopez4 said:The only problem is that the machines don't just run themselves. Is the staff operating them also considered the "cutting edge" of tech?
I mean, you need a massive amount of actual knowledge and hands-on experience to handle gear like that. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if their test results end up being a mess.

Since I move in medical circles, I know firsthand that doctors are constantly traveling abroad to sharpen their skills on specific equipment. I can't speak specifically to PET-CT, but I’m betting it’s the same deal there; a technician who is already an expert on standard CT scans and MRI machines is going to pick up the ropes on this very quickly. After all, we're talking about essentially the same type of hardware—it's just much more precise because it catches malignant issues at a microscopic level. It should actually make the radiologist's job a whole lot easier compared to reading a standard CT scan.

The staff over at the Mayo Clinic who operate the PET-CT have all headed out of town for seminars and training sessions just so they can learn how to properly run the damn machine. Honestly, I find it a bit ridiculous to be traveling abroad for professional development when we already have access to those same scans right here in Washington, D.C.... though, unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to look up what the actual cost of the scan is yet.

Morgan Scott3 said:The staff over at the Mayo Clinic who operate the PET-CT have all headed out of town for seminars and training sessions just so they can learn how to properly run the damn machine. Honestly, I find it a bit ridiculous to be traveling abroad for professional development when we already have access to those same scans right here in Washington, D.C.... though, unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to look up what the actual cost of the scan is yet.

Look, since I actually know a thing or two about how this hardware works, I need to set the record straight. That PET-CT—and for the record, it’s got nothing to do with an MRI—isn't even run by Mayo Clinic. The hospital basically just leased out some space to a private outfit (Quest Diagnostics, coming over from Dora) through a Public-Private Partnership that'll be taking Medicare contracts. Not a single doctor from the main hospital is going to be working there (at least they aren't supposed to). As for all that "training" talk? Usually, the equipment manufacturer just sends someone out to show them the ropes, and it definitely doesn't take more than a week. You can draw your own conclusions.

Hannah Lopez4 said:Look, since I actually know a thing or two about how this hardware works, I need to set the record straight. That PET-CT—and for the record, it’s got nothing to do with an MRI—isn't even run by Mayo Clinic. The hospital basically just leased out some space to a private outfit (Quest Diagnostics, coming over from Dora) through a Public-Private Partnership that'll be taking Medicare contracts. Not a single doctor from the main hospital is going to be working there (at least they aren't supposed to). As for all that "training" talk? Usually, the equipment manufacturer just sends someone out to show them the ropes, and it definitely doesn't take more than a week. You can draw your own conclusions.

So why the skepticism then?😕
I'm assuming the medical staff running it will be from Quest Diagnostics, and from what I hear, their team is pretty solid and highly competent.

Angela Wright said:So why the skepticism then?😕
I'm assuming the medical staff running it will be from Quest Diagnostics, and from what I hear, their team is pretty solid and highly competent.

Unfortunately, I know from experience.

PET-CT scans are now available to patients from all over the US, including those traveling from Canada and Mexico

www.viptravel.co.yu/petct

Hey everyone, just wanted to share this.

Rachel Alvarez3 said:PET-CT scans are now available to patients from all over the US, including those traveling from Canada and Mexico

www.viptravel.co.yu/petct

Hey everyone, just wanted to share this.

But they have them in Washington, D.C. now, and I guess you can get it covered by Medicare for free🤷 😕

On November 15, 2007, we broke the news on our homepage www.carcinoms.com regarding the possibility of getting a PET/CT scan done in Washington, D.C. covered by Medicare via a standard referral. I actually received a comment from one reader claiming that such a scan couldn't be handled through a referral—apparently, she was told that directly by someone over at UnitedHealth Group.

To set the record straight: the report is verified and absolutely accurate.

I took it upon myself to call UnitedHealth Group personally to confirm, and they clarified that if you have the proper clinical indications and a recommendation from an oncologist, the scan can be performed without any issues under Medicare coverage. That said, it’s probably wise to have some supplemental health insurance so you aren't stuck footing the bill for the co-pay. So, there you have it—the lowdown on PET/CT scans in Washington, D.C.